Technion, Alpha Szenszor to develop lung cancer diagnostics

They aim is to develop an economically viable, non-invasive, digital tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and US carbon nanotube-based sensor developer Alpha Szenszor Inc. have established a joint venture to commercialize advanced lung cancer diagnostics based on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) detection from human breath. They aim is to develop an economically viable, non-invasive, digital tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

The Technion’s Laboratory for Nanomaterial-Based Devices has demonstrated the feasibility of using advanced spectrometry techniques as well as an array of nanomaterial-based sensors to diagnose and classify several diseases, including lung cancer, from exhaled breath.

“At Technion, we are excited by this new venture with Alpha Szenszor. The combination of strengths and expertise of both parties will greatly enhance our ability to save human lives,” said Prof. Hossam Haick of the Technion Department of Chemical Engineering. “The Technion and Alpha Szenszor's strong IP portfolio and experience will enable the fast and effective transition of this valuable technology from the lab to the medical world where it will be of real benefit in the fight against cancer."

Alpha Szenszor is an e-nose diagnostics company based on carbon nanotube sensor chips. It leverages consumer electronics to develop direct digital detection of trace gases in concentrations of a few parts per billion. Alpha Szenszor CEO Steve Lerner. “We look forward to this partnership with Technion as a critical step in the validation of early stage diagnostics through direct digital detection of gaseous biomarkers."